Our Resilience Programme helps young people to recognise, build on and make the most of their strengths; to understand themselves better and to develop their skills. With a focus on social and personal confidence, developing emotional control and learning to positively embrace challenges, our young people have an opportunity to achieve more than they thought possible.
Three months into helping on the current programme, and it’s fair to say the same can be said for our Resilience Programme Volunteers, where we see that the benefits of the programme extend far beyond just our young people.
They shared with us a range of motivations for volunteering;
My motivation to volunteer came from being bullied at secondary school. Whilst I had a lot in common with my classmates, I was considered different for being shorter, wearing glasses and needing braces. The experiences of the young people on the Resilience Programme therefore really resonated with me.
Tom, Resilience Programme Volunteer
The thought of helping others gain confidence and develop themselves is something that motivated me to volunteer. Helping young people alongside participating in activities that will push me outside of my own comfort zone, is something that will be good for my own personal growth and development.
Matt, Resilience Programme Volunteer
Just as our young people might feel apprehensive and nervous, our volunteers reported similar emotions. We’ve witnessed them offer reassurance and demonstrate how they choose to positively embrace their personal challenges;
I was apprehensive on my first day and nervous due to it being my first time volunteering. Now that I have settled in, I look forward to my volunteer days and enjoy discussing my experiences.
Tom, Resilience Programme Volunteer
Both adults and young people can find change and new experiences hard and I love that the Resilience Programme brings us together to learn, grow and be playful together while doing so.
Irene, Resilience Programme Volunteer
The highlights our volunteers shared focused on the achievements of the young people, in particular where they achieved more than they had thought possible;
My first highlight was on the first day, watching one of the children build up the confidence to climb a ladder and subsequently have a go at getting as high as they could on the high ropes course. The second was on the cookery day, where one of the young people in my group proclaimed that they would enjoy a career as a chef!
Tom, Resilience Programme Volunteer
Mirroring our young people, volunteers could also give examples of how they too have achieved more than they thought possible;
Volunteering on the Resilience Programme has quite literally changed my life. I have learnt so much over the last few years and it has taught me to practice vulnerability, patience and bring out the side of me that loves to have fun!
Irene, Resilience Programme Volunteer
Volunteers are a fundamental part of the Resilience Programme delivery model. Through the continuity of supportive, engaged and fun adults, young people can settle straight into each day and make the most of the opportunities available. Volunteers get to know them well, can help highlight their strength and identify opportunities for growth. We couldn’t deliver this highly impactful programme without them, and are hugely grateful for all of their time, dedication and hard work.
If you are interested in becoming a Resilience Programme Volunteer, please contact Jon Rich, Volunteering Lead; jon@youthadventuretrust.org.uk.